More Than a Soldier

Chapter 21 - Repatriation

Y/n's POV:

I never understood why people liked wearing their dress uniform. It's so uncomfortable and more often than not you're wearing it for ceremonial duties, which involve a lot of standing still. Today, my distain for this particular uniform only grows at it's something that represents the loss of a great man. I'm wearing it for the second time this week and it already feels like it's burning at my skin.

Scarlett's hand grips mine in the back of the vehicle driving us to the military base to greet the plane which is bringing home Jimmy's body. We all met at Missy's and the military provided vehicles to take us to camp. Missy and Harry went with the Brigadier, whilst I was in the second car with Scarlett and my dad.

My mind is elsewhere as the car drives the familiar route I'm used to driving every day. But I don't take any of it in. My gaze isn't focused on anything whilst thoughts rush through my head at a million miles an hour. It's exhausting and I'm not even doing anything.

When we arrive at the base, they drive us straight through and park near the assembly point. "I just need a minute." I mumble as dad gets out of the car and Scarlett looks at me expectantly. "Of course. Take your time." She responds with a warm smile. She gives my hand a squeeze before getting out of the car, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I had an official duty today. I would be the officer that receives the body. The pallbearers that bring his coffin off the plane, will be the same ones that carry it during the funeral. Missy and I sat with the Brigadier and selected people that were with us in Afghanistan. They were all honoured when we asked them and have been practicing since. I was involved in the dress rehearsal this morning. It seems strange to say that. But it has to be perfect. He deserves that.

After composing myself, I open the car door, where dad is waiting with his hand out. I pull him into a hug, needing his comfort in this moment. He holds me tightly and then helps to straighten out my uniform after. I turn to Scarlett, who's eyes are glassy, and hold my hand out to her, which she instantly takes it as I guide her towards Missy and Harry. I see all of the soldiers from our platoon there along with most of the camp, here to greet our hero. I give Julia a nod when our eyes meet, and I can see the redness to them.

The Brigadier goes over what's going to happen, so we're all prepared and then we take our positions to wait for the plane. I take my place next to Missy and she holds my hand, both of us needing the comfort it brings.

A small dot appears in the sky, and it gradually gets closer to us. As it does, my heart rate starts to increase. "I promised him." I whisper, gaining both Scarlett and Missy's attention. "What's that dear?" Missy asks. "When I said goodbye to him in Afghanistan, I promised him that I would be here waiting for him when he returned home." I share, my heart constricting as I remember our last conversation, realising how so much of it felt like a proper goodbye.

"I never thought it would be like this." I struggle to hold it together as my head drops and tears drop from my eyes. Missy wraps an arm around me, and I instantly feel bad that she is comforting me. "He and I would have it no other way." She reassures me. "Sorry." I apologise, pulling myself together and regaining my composure. "Never apologise for expressing your feelings." She tells me sternly, placing a kiss to my temple and retaking my hand.

We watch as the plane comes into land and slowly starts to taxi in front of us. Once it comes to a stop, I have to step away to carry out my duties. I remove my hat and hand it to Scarlett before placing a kiss to Missy's cheek and pulling Harry into a hug. I walk towards the six pallbearers and accept their salute.

As the ramp to the plane slowly starts to lower, a hearse pulls up along side the aircraft. We then start our march towards the plane. I fall in behind the men who have formed two ranks of three. We climb the ramp and I have to hold back a sob when I see the solitary union flag draped coffin sat in the middle of the aircraft.